FIVE pregnant sheep have been killed in dog attacks at the same farm in Tadworth during the past week.

Surrey Police said five animals were injured in the first incident at the Ebbisham Lane farm last Thursday (February 16), with one of them subsequntly dying.

On Monday (February 20), a further four sheep were so severely injured that they all had to be put down by a vet.

Reigate and Banstead Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Sue Roe said: “It is totally unacceptable for dogs to attack and maul livestock and for their owners to allow them to be so dangerously out of control.

“It is lambing season at the farm and all of the killed ewes were pregnant with their off-spring due in May.

"This is not just upsetting for the farmer but has cost them financially with each sheep worth around £150 and their lambs £60, as well as the vet bill for the injured animals."

The officer also had a warning for dog owners to keep their pets well under control when near other animals.

“Most dog owners don’t realise their pet could be destroyed if the dog is found worrying livestock," she said, adding that owners themselves could end up being prosecuted as well.

Alerts have been circulated to other farms in the area using CountryWatch.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RB/12/1294.

Meanwhile, another out-of-control dog killed a sheep and bit the legs of two others on a farm between Ockham and Wisley earlier this month.

The incident involving a dark brown/black spaniel-type dog was reported on Saturday, February 11.

Ron Hill, who owns the farmland near Old Lane, said some of the sheep in his flock were pedigree, while others were kept for meat.

“It is a sad business to kill livestock in that way,” he said.

“We have to pay for vet’s fees and for the animal to be destroyed. It is just a very sad business to lose them like that and it is just wasteful.”

Anyone with information about the attack should contact police on 101 and quote EL/12/953.